Board approves modified road standard for Gassie/Valley View parcel after neighbor objections

Del Norte County supervisors approved a Planning Commission recommendation to apply a modified subdivision road standard for a parcel near Valley View and Gassie Flat Road, permitting a 30‑foot right‑of‑way with a 20‑foot roadway and 2‑foot shoulders.

Assistant County Engineer Rosanna described the parcel layout (segments A, B and C), steep slopes that limit buildable area, and environmental constraints including a creek buffer with Department of Fish and Wildlife comments. Rosanna said the modification would keep improvements further from the creek and allow the owner to construct necessary access without encroaching on sensitive areas. She emphasized that the applicant lacks access across the creek and Caltrans has restricted direct state‑highway access for the parcel.

Neighbors raised objections, arguing the change could permit commercial or trailer‑park uses and questioned who would pay for the road. Rosanna and others clarified that the road would be private, paid for by the owner, and that future development would still require separate land‑use approvals. The board approved the modified standard following the public comment period and a motion to accept the Planning Commission recommendation.